Ingredients

3 boneless chicken breasts ( about 1 1/2 pounds total )
6 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 tablespoons cornstarch
4 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon baking powder
3 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
1 teaspoon ginger , minced
1 clove garlic , minced
1 teaspoon chili paste ( recommended -- Sambal Oelek )
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup cornstarch
2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
peanut oil , for deep-frying
salt
3 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds , for garnish
2 -3 tablespoons finely chopped scallions , for garnish
5 -6 cilantro , sprigs for garnish
Sesame chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish that is widely enjoyed for its flavorful chicken and sweet and savory sauce. This recipe by Tyler Florence takes the classic dish up a notch with its crispy chicken and thick, flavorful sauce made from scratch. The combination of ginger, garlic, and chili paste in the recipe adds a nice kick of heat to the dish, making it a perfect choice for those who love spicy food. Overall, Sesame Chicken is an excellent comfort food that is perfect for serving to friends and family on special occasions.

Instructions

1.Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch chunks and place them in a large bowl.
2.In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, 2 teaspoons of sesame oil, and kosher salt. Pour the mixture over the chicken and toss until the chicken is evenly coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour, or up to 12 hours.
3.In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, water, baking powder, and 3 tablespoons of sesame oil. The mixture should be thick and lumpy.
4.Add the ginger, garlic, and chili paste to the chicken and stir until the chicken is coated in the mixture.
5.Add the cornstarch, chicken broth, sherry vinegar, sugar, and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce to a saucepan. Stir until the cornstarch is dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened.
6.Heat a large pot or deep fryer over medium-high heat. Add enough peanut oil to the pot to fill it about halfway. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the pot in batches and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 4-6 minutes per batch.
7.Once the chicken is cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
8.To serve, spoon the sauce over the chicken and garnish with toasted sesame seeds, scallions, and cilantro.

PROS

This sesame chicken is crispy, flavorful, and has a sweet and tangy sauce that complements the chicken perfectly.
It is a crowd-pleaser for those who love Chinese takeout-style food.

CONS

Deep-frying the chicken can make it high in calories and fat.
It is important to eat it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

The recipe requires a bit of preparation and cooking time, so it may not be ideal for a quick weeknight dinner.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Chicken is an excellent source of protein and is rich in vitamins and minerals like niacin, vitamin B6, and selenium. It is also low in fat and calories when prepared without breading or deep-frying.
Sesame oil and sesame seeds are a good source of healthy fats and are rich in antioxidants that promote heart health and reduce inflammation.
The ginger and garlic in the recipe have been known to aid in digestion, boost the immune system, and reduce inflammation.

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